Androgyny vs. Girly Trend - My View

This post is actually my entry into Next's current Guest Blogger Competition which they announced on their blog.  The winning blogger will be the lucky recipient of one £150 outfit every month for three months and also win the incredible chance to star on Next's very own blog.  To enter you have a choice of 3 questions to answer within a blog post and I was naturally drawn to the topic called 'Androgyny vs. Girly Trend - What's Your View'.  So this is my view. :-)

I've haven't always been a girly girl.  When I was a just a nipper, knee high in soil fishing out worms alongside my Dad gardening, I was a reluctant dress wearer.  I was all about dungarees with useful pockets (for hiding said worms) and trousers that would keep me warm and stop nettles from stinging my bare legs whilst I'd rummage beneath undergrowth hunting for raspberries and grass hoppers.  My Mum would try her best to remind me I was a girl; my hair grown long with a ridiculously massive fringe and skirts would appear in my drawers in bright fuschia pinks and neons.  By the time I hit my teens I was free to wear whatever I pleased, which meant an unfashionable return to jogging bottoms and other hideously unflattering clothing that did everything to mask and hide my developing figure.

This season I've found myself wincing, not at the pretty dusky chiffon and delicate pearl collars.  Not least the dozens of sweaters and skirts unashamedly blazened with 80s fair-isle that I recall myself wearing (I actually feel all warm and fuzzy seeing the array of marginally different versions of the cute nordic knit.)  No, what's leaving me all cold this autumn is the androgyny trend.  Not womanly, and yet not manly.  Neither one nor the other.  Just, something?

Androgyny vs. Girly

I'm 30.  There's no denying I aren't the whipper snapper aged 4 pulling worms out of the garden anymore.  I'm a woman, and I've spent the best part of my twenties understanding and getting to know the body I grew into.  Only a few years ago did I reach my epiphany and declared "I don't care what people think of me, I'm going to wear what really I want to", and that's what I did.  Okay, I live in my leggings, but I don't limit myself to just that.  I just can't be bothered with feeling I have to wear my jeans because of worry what people may think of my legs, or the 'justification' that I can't wear a dress because it would show off my boobs.  Yes, I have boobs!  And since I finally acknowledged this, I've allowed myself to dress just how the heck I like.  Pretty girly dresses nipped in at the waist, cute floral skirts, tops that don't hide my cleavage.  Tulle, chiffon and lace adorned with jewels.  I am a woman all about embracing everything that's girly.  Everything my mum wished I'd worn when I was thirteen.

So that's why I feel so personally aggrieved by the androgyny trend.  I don't detest trouser suits with slouchy blazers, but I don't want to hide whether I'm a man or woman.  I have a fantastic hour glass figure with boobs many would kill for (so I'm told) and there's only one trend that fits this body like a glove.  I'm girly and I know it!

My Favourite NEXT Girly Look

Becky x

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects so many people and it's a sad fact that even in this technologically advanced age we are yet to find a cure.  Thankfully there are really good charities that are working tirelessly to make cancer a disease of the past, and breast cancer charities in particular are offering amazing support to sufferers and their families who are facing the reality of what the disease means and how it will affect their lives.

Whilst we work toward the goal of a cure, we need to be vigilant about the symptoms of breast cancer and the best way of doing this is by regularly checking our breasts.  Education and knowledge is key to enabling the best chance of catching the cancer early and our survival.  Positively, more and more women each year are successfully hitting back at breast cancer and surviving, which is brilliant news and a great message to keep up the hard work of continuing the fight.

Brilliant companies who recognise the importance of breast cancer charities are showing their support this Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling certain products specially created for the cause and donating a part of the proceeds.  I've been checking out what gorgeous products we'll be able to buy so we can also show our support and get a nice little self-gift in the process!

The first product to catch my eye is the specially created 'Pink Blush' Housewarmer Candle Jar by my ultimate favourite candle makers, Yankee Candle.  If you've not yet given their candles a try, now's your chance.  These candles have the best fragrances around and the beautiful scents last forever.   

Price:  £19.99 - £1 donation to Breast Cancer Care

Boux Avenue are also getting involved this month by donating proceeds from the sales of 21 pieces, including the gorgeously feminine Lyla range.  The hot pink is stunning set against the delicate black lace.  The brief looks super comfy too!

Price: Bra: £26 - £1 donation.   Brief: £16 - £1 donation to Breast Cancer Care

Another of my most favourite brands is Nails Inc. and they have created a very cute sparkly pink polish called 'Pinky Pink'.  The idea is to paint just your little finger in the polish to fashionably show your allegiance to the cause.

Price: £11 - £1 donation to Breast Cancer Campaign

The name behind quality and fashionable jewellery, Tresor Paris has released some really pretty pieces. My favourite pick is the La Bande Rose Studs.  I have these studs in just the crystal and they are stunning earrings.  They really catch the light and make you look and feel a million dollars which I think fits perfectly for Breast Cancer awareness.

Price: £19-£24 with 25% donation to Breast Cancer Care

Remember when I reviewed the brilliant Panache Sport Bra?  Well they brought out the exclusive, very girly pink coloured version.  This is my favourite sports bra of all time so to get this in pink would be so cool!

Price: £35 with 10% of proceeds to Coppafeel

I think if you're wanting some of these like myself, we'll have to get snapping them up.  Remember, the whole of October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness so ample opportunity to get raising those much needed funds for charity.

For more information on breast cancer, visit the lovely people at Breast Cancer Care.

Becky x

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Hello Autumn! Cute Cake Tins for Winter Baking

Autumn has officially landed this weekend and I've been thinking nothing less of getting the house all snug and attractive for the forthcoming months of Winter.  Christmas is never far from my mind either, I'm afraid to say, even though we're still only in September.  But if you're really into Christmas like me and a religious festive baker, you'll know that it's around now that you should be baking your Christmas cake for optimum yumminess!  This year I'll be making four Christmas cakes so I'm just preparing all the ingredients and equipment I'll need so I can take on this mammoth cake challenge.  

I wanted to get some nice, new cake storage tins so this week I've been browsing around baking departments online and in town.  The vintage look is still a huge theme so I found myself bookmarking several websites and with the dilemma of which pretty tins to go for.  

Dotcomgiftshop has this absolutely adorable Pantry design trio cake tin set for £12.95.  I just love the powdery colour scheme and retro wording.  This set would look amazing with my other cream kitchen storage accessories.

Something a little more vibrant for the kitchen yet still retaining the retro look, the Argos Living cake tins (£9.99) are another really cute set.  The bold cherry red and white polka dot design is really stylish.

I love those vintage metal advertising signs and old adverts from yesteryear.  It makes me think of a sweeter era, romanticising the thought of rosy cheeked housewives baking tasty treats all day.  I know the reality wasn't quite like that in the 50s but it doesn't stop us admiring the looks of that bygone time.  

This set by Martin Wiscombe that I found on Mollie and Fred (£18.99) would really brighten up my cupboards.  How cute can that cupcake tin be?!

I bought a fantastic set of 3 cake tins by top baking brand Tala that I found on Wilkinsons website for only £10.  I got the set today and they look just as pretty in real life!

The biggest tin which would fit tons of cupcakes or a big celebration cake is baby blue with white stars.  The medium tin, the perfect size for a tea time victoria sponge cake, is candy pink and white striped whilst the smallest tin, for finger cakes and goodies, is apple green with white spots.  All the tins are topped with cream lids decorated with fancy words of tasty treats such as 'crumbly cookies' and 'scrummy chocolate cake', all of which will of course be making an appearance inside my tins!

What kind of cake and biscuit tins do you use?  Have you seen any other super cute retro kitchen accessories which would match perfectly with these tins?  

Are you planning on making a christmas cake?

Becky x

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Goodbye Summer - Final 3 of 3 Swimwear

I've been meaning on completing my swimwear posts for what's felt like ages and with autumn literally around the corner now (officially this weekend!), I decided it's now or never!  Summer never really happened, did it?  I'd made it to the beach earlier on in the summer with the expectation of returning with the next sets of swimwear, but the weather decided to take a turn for the worst and never really returned.  So huge apologies for a mixed up post but hopefully the talk of summer and holidays may give you a little spirit boost, bring back those holiday memories and perhaps get your wardrobe planning under way for the next seaside break!

Over the first swimwear post and the second swimwear post, I covered swimsuits with a vintage twist and costumes for the sportier look.  For the final post I wanted to concentrate on more modern and current styles, so chose to check out the Freya Swing collection from Leia Lingerie.

I've never tried a bandeau bikini top so I tried that in a 30GG together with a flattering fold bikini brief in a medium.  I thought that not only was the style something different, with it's tie neck and bandeau as opposed to a typical bra style cup bikini, but the print is really unique and stands out.  The red and white stripe detailing is retro inspired and the blue, white and red floral print isn't ditsy or frumpy, opting more for an artsy, haphazard semi painted effect.  It's one of those looks that you're either going to love or hate, and luckily I think it's pretty cool!

I found the bikini really comfy to wear which I tested out by galavanting about the beach like a crazy woman.  I'm pleased to report that everything stayed in place where they belong:  the bandeau top was secure and didn't budge and the briefs didn't ride up my bum which was a brilliant revelation!  

The bandeau top isn't just a strip of fabric, there is actually a hidden bra support exactly like a bra underneath.  The 30GG was a nice fit but I would probably try a 28 back next to ensure a snugger tightness.  I found I probably had the neck tie a little too tight which pulled on my neck, so I think by reinforcing my bust at the band by moving down to a 28 would help rectify that.

At full cost the the Bandeau Top and Fold Bikini Brief retail for £36 and £26 respectively, so a little more expensive compared to the prices of Freya's bras and knickers.  As it's later in the season now you can buy both separate pieces for half price, so this is well worth snapping up.

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I had a surprise bikini sent to me from Panache which turned out to be the Claudette collection.  It's an unpadded regular styled bikini top with straps which arrived paired with a folded bikini brief in a size 12.

The brief is exactly the same style as the Freya Swing folded brief above, in that there's a top panel of fabric which folds over, giving a bit more coverage and smoothness to the tummy area.  I really like this style personally, it's extra fabric without the bulk.

The bikini top is very similar to the Panache Tango.  The fit and shape is exactly the same as the bra I reviewed here.  It's a very classic style with a contemporary floral and fern print in black and ivory.  Not a colourway or pattern I would go for myself but the style was spot on and I loved the way both pieces fit perfectly.  If you don't want to draw particular attention to your boobs when you're on the beach or in the pool then this is the perfect option with it's unpadded, unfussy design.

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Before I finish off and say a bitter fairwell to our pathetic summer, I wanted to leave you with some positive thoughts and hope for next summer.

I recently discovered a new swimwear brand for the fuller bust still in it's infancy yet with all intentions to hit the ground running once they launch their first line of bikinis.  The name to remember - Beach Bacchanal.  Alex Gibson is the bust and brains behind the new venture and as a woman who can testify for the pains we big boobed girls have to live with, she's the most qualified for the job.

Image Copyright Beach Bacchanal

I have high hopes for Beach Bacchanal who promise to set the swimwear world on fire and have it on it's toes.  Sexy and trendy bikinis shouldn't be an exclusive right for those with smaller chests and this is where the new business on the block will hit.  It's about time new life was breathed into this market and I for one am pretty excited to see what Beach Bacchanal will bring to the table.  Watch this space!

Becky x

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CT Magazine and Rabbit Awareness Week!

Last weekend saw the launch of brand new online fashion publication, CT magazine.  My fiance, Sean, is the brains behind the whole project, being a photographer himself and also a respected business analyst.  He wanted to revolutionise the way magazines credit the contributors, or rather the lack of.  It's typical for a fashion spread to have the names of the photographer and stylist splashed over the main feature with no thought to crediting everyone else involved in putting the shoot together such as the make up artists, designers, image editors and models.  If they're lucky they'll get a tiny mention at the end where no one looks or bothers to read.  The philosophy behind CT magazine is to acknowledge, appreciate and credit all those involved in the process of creating an image or article.  CT stands for Creative Talent which represents everything the magazine celebrates.  Good fashion created by talented individuals.

Already in issue 1 there's been some amazing content, and I was honoured to be placed on page 12 for the 'How to Be a Fashion Designer' feature.  It was the fantastic image that Sean took of me in the corn field in my peacock dress.

If you've not yet had chance to check out the mag, click here to read the full copy.

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Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) started on Saturday and being a rabbit owner of two beautiful buns myself I've been spreading the news to every corner.  Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK and yet they receive the poorest of treatment.  Sometimes due to ignorance but mostly because people don't know what they need to know, so educating about rabbit welfare is crucially important to help pet rabbits live the most natural life they deserve.

This year the topic is concentrating on the importance of vaccinating against potentially fatal myxomotosis and VHD.  The two vaccinations used to given separately but in the last few months the dual vaccination was released which means less stress for your bunny, better convenience and it's cheaper too!

Lots of vets across the country are running FREE rabbit health checks which I really recommend you snap up if you have a bun yourself.  You can find out more on the official RAW website.

I like to show my support to the cause so I worked with Sean to get some really cute images of me with my rabbits, Bobby and Lucy.  It was good fun and the pair looked adorable.

I wanted to go for a boudoir pin up feel so I wore a ditsy floral print corset and a cherry print head scarf.  Oh yes, and you may notice I've had my hair cut too!  I wanted to go for something a bit shorter for autumn and I had my colour stripped too, so this is more my natural colour now.

Here's my favourite pics from the session -

Happy Rabbit Awareness Week!

Becky x

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Next Home Haul

I love reading blogs finding out what other people have been buying.  It's a great way to discover what goodies are out in the shops to buy and the trends people are picking up on.  I love the feeling when I've found something I think is a fantastic find so I thought I'd extend my retail pleasure and share my recent purchases with you!

I've been lusting after so many Next pieces since they first set up their autumn window display showcasing a gorgeous fruity colour palette of complimenting items.  Canvas art of pick your own raspberries, cosy leaf green blankets and quirky candle holders in the form of giant yarn reels.  I'm updating the house and already had the theme plan for mossy greens, berry reds and aubergine purples so Next's display was exactly what I was looking for.

I had £20 in vouchers burning a hole in my purse so I went into Next today.  It was quite a task deciding what to spend it on because everything was so appealing.  I would actually liken it to the feeling I used to get in my local shop when I was little, looking up at all the jars of sweets.  Yes, it was pretty pulse racing stuff!

This is what I bought - 

Meet my ceramic owl ornament!  He's a huge 19cm high and cost £8.  I noticed the owl theme ran through the collections including a smaller owl with a tea tight holder on it's head, two small owl salt and pepper pots, an owl mug and an owl dish.  Phew!  You'd be all owled out!

I also bought these - 

These coffee, tea and sugar canisters are sold individually for £5 each which I think is a really great price. They're weighty little things painted in a ecru coloured high gloss with cute sayings etched into each of the lids.  The sugar canister is a berry pink shade with 'cute as a button'.  The coffee - a lovely sage green depicting 'a stitch in time saves nine' and the sugar - a salmon pink - 'sew a little happiness'. 

I have a necklace which my parents gave me a few years back which these pots remind me of.  It's a silver button necklace which says 'cute as a button'.  Funny coincidence!

I love how these canisters are so unique and give off a cosy feel.  I'm an avid cross stitcher so appreciate the sewing connotations on another level too.  Three unbelievably adorable little pots will sit all too proudly on my kitchen counter!  I'll be replacing my stainless steel Brabantia set so this will be a totally new look.  

The shopping experience within the store wasn't as appealing.  Wherever I was and whenever I tried to look at something the same two members of staff would be there, not giving two hoots (owl. ouch) that I was stood there.  I thought they were pretty rude to be honest, that they felt it was so well mannered to not even acknowledge a customer, even go as far as prevent me from looking.  I know staff have a job to do but there's a way and means to go about it.

When I came to buy my purchases I was told that the canisters were proving a popular seller and informed me that they'd sold twelve sets already.  That kinda made me feel like my sale wasn't anything special which put a dampener on my glee.  Then I was told they'd ran out of wrapping material and bubble wrap so I had to have my purchases put straight into the carrier bags.  I thought this was really bad.  If the store knew they were running out could they not have popped into the WH Smith opposite them and picked something up?  Shopping these days has become a luxury and being a customer of Next you come to expect a particular service.  Amazing products.  Really poor service.

All in all, I'm really chuffed with what I found today.  There were so many things I could have bought too and everything seemed to be decently priced which surprised me.  I think I've found my excuse to add to my fruity autumn theme!

Becky x

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AW Freya Deco Hatty - More for the 28s!

Earlier in the summer Freya finally released the infamous Deco in a 28 back, much to the delight of many, myself included.  My first foray into the Deco family began with the pretty sorbet pink Ashlee, when as much as I adored it, I knew I needed a 28 back.  Being able to get my hands on a 28GG Deco has been a godsend, so if you're smaller backed and you've not yet experienced the Deco, now is the time to try.

This month saw the arrival of the cool and crisp Deco Hatty.  Hatty landed on my doorstep this week which was a lovely surprise to receive from the very friendly Lingerie Heaven.  A smart and sexy design for the autumn, Hatty is a more refined Deco with its gentle pinstripe print and centre double button detail.  The straps of Hatty are more luxurious than the Deco's heavily embroidered straps; Hatty's are smooth and silky which add sleekness to the overall smooth line of the bra.  The colour is a very light, icy aqua green which looks striking against the jet black stitching.

It reminds me of a bracing fresh glacier mint!

I'm not the only one to have noticed the arrival of Hatty.  This gorgeous bra made it onto the page of Glam Happenings of Glamour magazine's September issue.

What I love about the Deco family is how the plunge style really suits my bust.  Having close set boobs, the low centre gore sits nicely in place.  It's not too low though, not like many plunge bras can be, so if you prefer a higher cut more like a half cup you'll be happy with this one.

Hatty has the same smooth line foam cups as the original Deco so aside from the different straps and pattern, this is still a trusty Deco.  A plunging, uplifting t shirt bra for the bigger boobed all rolled into one.

Wearing the Hatty, I'm pretty sure it fitted even better than my usual Decos.  I love wearing the Deco but I can get a very, very slight gape.  With Hatty I didn't get this.  The cups filled and fitted well instantly and remained that way, which was great.  I didn't roll out at all either, so I wouldn't say that the cups are any smaller.

Hatty has only just been released for sale and you can buy it at Lingerie Heaven with the benefit of a lower than RRP price.  Also don't forget your loyalty points you'll be earning too!

Becky x

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Skintone Bras - The Essential Nude

Colourful bras are all well and good but sometimes you don't want your bra to steal your fashion limelight.  Whether wearing a little black dress or your favourite simple white tee, it's nice to have a bra on standby that'll disappear beneath your clothing.

Skintone bras in nude shades are an essential option for many bra wearers of all bust sizes and many brands offer a multitude of additional benefits such as multiway, strapless and seamfree styling.

Ewa Michalak are still a new indulgence for me but already they've wowed me with their incredible superiority in design and manufacture.  Usually brands can be limited in their collections and tend to stick to the same style vein season after season.  Ewa Michalak is a breath of fresh air with their vast choice of styles, colours and sizes; quite the lingerie sweetshop!

I tried out the PL Toffik.  I'd previously ordered it a month or so ago (when I incorrectly ordered the 65GG) but needed to exchange the size for something bigger, however the replacement bra I received looked different to the first one I was sent.  Looking at the website I found there are two different looking PL Toffiks which is a little confusing.  From what I can see, the first one I had is labeled as a toffee colour where the one I have now is classed as caramel.

The PL Toffik in toffee is a three section cup in smooth fabric.  It's edged with delicate lace along the tops of the cups, adorned with intricately stitched straps and finished off with a centre bow.  It was a very easy bra to wear and was effortless under clothing.  It wasn't seamfree but as close as you'd get.  The band was too tight for me, and the cups a fraction too small, so I returned it for another size.

PL Toffik - Toffee

My exchange replacement is quite visually different.  It is actually extremely similar to the CH Karmelki.  The cups aren't smooth in the same sense but overlaid with feint diamond embroidery and there are three centre oval buttons as opposed to the previous bow.  The colours of both the Toffiks are similar and which I found a bit too dark but I personally preferred the shade of the 'toffee' Toffik.  I also preferred the plain styling for a smoother finish.

I had the second Toffik replaced as a 70H which again wasn't the best size for me.  My fault again!  I now know that 70GG will be spot on for me.

Both versions of the PL Toffik are gorgeous and very well made and I like the way there are slightly differing ideas of nude on the website which gives the buyer a bit more option.  They also come with removable pads which can be kept in or removed if you want extra va va voom or help with evening out different sized boobs.

Another plunge skintone bra is the nude Freya Deco which I tried in a 28GG from Lingerie Heaven.  The Deco is a favourite bra to many, but why?

Deco is a fabulous, well fitting bra that offers real support.  It's also a really good seamfree style because of it's moulded cups which means you don't get any show through of stitching and cup sectioning that normal bras can do.  Another reason why I love wearing the Deco is because it's a plunge which is extremely flattering for me.  Oh yes, and you can get them in a 28 back now, too!

I love the Freya's nude colourway as it's light and unobtrusive.  It does actually disappear when I put a white t shirt on, which is what it's all about for me.  Both the colour and completely smooth cups are a winner with me and will be a wardrobe staple of mine from now on.

Have you tried other brands of skintone bras?  How do you think they compare and which would you say is the best?

Becky x

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Fruitful Autumn - Bountiful Bras

Coming to the end of summertime can be saddening; bidding farewell to long days in the sun and tucking away bare legs until next year.  But thinking ahead of what the next season will bring us, thoughts turn to brisk walks, crunchy and colourful leaves beneath foot and wild fruits ripe for foraging.  Autumn is rich and full of life despite the darkening days and the lingerie calendar forecasts some beautiful offerings this year.

I love coloured lingerie and I have found some seriously delicious bras from some of our favourite fuller cup brands.  Colours this season are deep, mellow and mysterious in juicy berry shades and dazzling colour.

Soon to look forward to is the Freya Marina.  I chose Marina back in July as my favourite Autumn Winter 2012 collection when I entered Freya's Blog Star competition.  I adore the jewel tones which echo amethyst and sapphire gem stones stirring in plum flavours which really is Autumn to a T.

I also have my eye on two Panache goodies, the first being a gorgeous new colour in one of my favourite, reliable collections that is the Tango.  The vibrant Violet is the latest fashion colourway and I'll be looking for it in the plunge style.  A stunning colour coupled with fantastic fit; perfect for lifting the spirits on a misty Autumn day.

The second Panache beauty to catch my eye and receive a makeover is the Fern.  For me, patterned bras can be hit or miss, and Fern's oriental floral scheme with a predominant navy blue is a fresh sight for sore eyes.

For something just as Autumnal and fresh, Ewa Michalak has the serene lilac hued CHP Fiolek.  The colour is soothing with a fruity feel about it, and I love the whimsical bow.

For dank days when the sun fails to shine and you're feeling a little miserable, the floral Satine exclusive to Bravissimo will brighten your mood and your day.  With a delicate floral design and luxurious fabric, Satine is a pretty take on the Autumn colour trend with its precious sapphire blue trim.

So with all these yummy bras to look forward to, I'm not so sad about Summer leaving us.  Instead I'm quite looking forward to the weather cooling, encouraging me to layer up in my coat and favourite big scarves and going out foraging for berries to bake into pies when I get back home.  I may be snuggled away beneath knits and toasting myself in front of my log burner, but knowing I'm wearing one of these breathtaking bras will bring a flush to my cheeks on the darkest of days.  Here's to a fruity Autumn!  :-)

Have you spotted any divine bras set for release this Autumn Winter?

Becky x

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